Iraq sets September 26 start for 2025–2026 special-period general exams

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Ministry of Education has set September 26 as the start date for general exams under the 2025–2026 academic year's special-period schedule, covering middle and high school grades. The ministry said the exams will begin at 7:00 a.m. local time in Baghdad. According to the Education Minister's press office, the exams will be administered across Iraq and at Iraqi schools abroad in Arabic and foreign-language programs. The same timetable will apply in regions using Kurdish and Turkmen as languages of instruction. The exams cover both the scientific and humanities branches, the statement said. The ministry has directed all provincial education directorates to distribute the schedule to schools and inform students of the designated dates. The press office added that Iraqi schools outside the country will follow the same schedule adjusted to their local time zones. No further details on specific exam dates or subject breakdowns were immediately available.